MANILA - They wouldn’t use the same words Manny Pacquiao did, but when it comes down to taking a stand for or against legalizing same-sex marriage in the Philippines, three out of the five presidential candidates agree with the Sarangani congressman.

Pacquiao's remarks, made in a video interview with Bilang Pilipino - the data-driven coverage of the 2016 elections by News5, InterAksyon.com, Radyo5, Businessworld, Philippine Star and Bloomberg TV Philippines - drew flak Tuesday not so much for his opposition per se to same-sex marriage but his comparison of sex activities of the same gender as worse behavior ["masahol pa sa hayop"] than those of animals. On Tuesday evening, Pacquiao apologized in his FB account and said that, while he retained his stand opposing same-sex marriage, he regretted making that comparison.

Binay

In an interview with News5 on Tuesday after Pacquiao’s “masahol pa sa hayop (worse than animals)” remark, Vice President Jejomar Binay said, “On my part, I will abide by and follow the position of the Catholic Church on the matter.”

Santiago

In her explanatory note for Senate Bill No. 1282, “An Act Amending the Family Code, Article 26 on the Validity of Same-Sex Marriage Solemnized Outside the Philippines”, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago wrote, “Marriage is a union founded on the distinction of sex. That contracting parties must be of different sex is, in fact, a requirement under the provisions on legal capacity. Accordingly, this bill seeks to amend Article 26 to remove a misleading presumption, until society changes attitude while exhibiting compassion for same-sex relationships.”

Roxas

In a January interview with GMA News anchor Mel Tiangco, Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas said when asked about his stand, “Bilang public policy para sa akin ay hindi ako pabor dito. Subalit gusto kong, tatapatin kita Mel, may mga kamag-anak ako na close na close na have partners and nirerespeto ko sila, minamahal ko sila, tinatanggap ko sila, bukas-puso, bukas-loob kong ang aking pagtrato sa kanila (As a public policy for me, I am not in favor of it. But I want, let me be frank with you Mel, I have relatives that I am very close to who have partners and I respect them, I love them, and I accept them with. I treat them with love and generosity).”

Duterte

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has been consistent in his stand on same-sex marriage.

In July 2015, during a guesting at “Gandang Gabi Vice”, he said when asked for his view on the issue, “It’s good. Everyone deserves to be happy.”

In May 2012, he was quoted in a News5 report as saying, “Being married and marrying the person that you love is a matter of choice. Gays are supposed to have the equal rights and freedom as heterosexuals, including the freedom to marry and build a family.”

Poe

When asked for her stand on the issue in September 2015, Senator Grace Poe told InterAksyon.com in an e-mail, “I support the right of two consenting adults to contract civil marriage, regardless of their sex. All persons are guaranteed equality in their rights. Human rights accrue to them from birth. Our Constitution mandates the State to guarantee full respect for human rights. Our laws cannot discriminate against persons because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.”

Read more elections-related articles, view more videos, and listen to more audio clips at www.bilangpilipino.com.